Effect of temperature and water deprivation on body temperature in idmi gazelle, gazella gazella

Abstract EN

Effect of air temperature and water deprivation on body temperature was studied in captive-bred Idmi Gazalle, Gazella gazella, during winter and summer.

Air temperature ranged from a minimum of 3 DC to a maximum of 19 DC in winter, and from 26 DC to 44 DC in summer.

Body temperature did not vary greatly during winter and summer when water was available.

In summer, a significant increase in body temperature was recorded apparently because of reduction of evaporation and the accompanied dehydration.

Animals were able to withstand water deprivation for 8 days in winter and 3 days in summer.

The results indicate that the species might withstand dehydration for relatively long periods in its natural habitat.